Masters of Science Fiction and Fantasy Art

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page 8 MASTERS of SCIENCE FICTION and FANTASY ART

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INTRODUCTION

Science ction and fantasy artists face a daunting task: to depict

the unknown, the unreal, and the impossible, and make it

believable, compelling, and beautiful. They are asked to envision

imaginary places, populating them with strange, wonderful

beings, and they must do it all on a deadline. That’s a tough job.

The digital revolution has brought science ction imagery

into the mainstream and thus to a wider audience. What was

once seen as magical and improbable is now commonplace.

Modern technological advances have raised the bar for artists,

making it that much harder for them to invent fresh science

ctional images. The job must have been easier in decades

past when great artists such as Frank R. Paul and Chesley

Bonestell had far less competition from reality. Luckily, artists

come equipped with that most powerful of tools, imagination.

In an age of technological miracles, they need it more than ever.

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page 8 MASTERS of SCIENCE FICTION and FANTASY ART

This is an exhilarating and challenging time in science

ction and fantasy art for both artists and art lovers.

Computers have put exciting new tools into artists’

hands while creating a more competitive environment

in which to make a living. Previously reliable art

markets, such as publishing, are struggling to change

with the times, while other markets, such as lm and

gaming, are exploding with new opportunities for

artists. Armies of computer graphics (CG) artists are

employed to bring fantastic visions to life for each

blockbuster, television show, or game release. And

yet in the midst of this tumult, young artists clamor

for instruction in traditional art techniques. Which

tools they select and how they use them are the

choices of each artist. Some rely on hand skills while

others employ only digital tools, and still others

swear by varied combinations of each.

Thanks to the Internet, there’s also been an explosion

in the number of artists creating science ction and

fantasy art around the world. The communication

between them—especially between beginning artists

and their more experienced, savvier colleagues—has

never been more dynamic and exciting. Websites

and blogs devoted to teaching technique and pro-

moting discussion are abundant. Video tutorials

are available at the click of a mouse, while in the

nonvirtual world artists gather for workshops where

maestros can be observed in process and later ques-

tioned by novices. It’s an exciting time to embark

upon a career in science ction and fantasy art.

Here is a look at twenty-eight of the most creative

science ction and fantasy artists working today,

with examples in pencil, paint, and digital media.

The artists in this book are both masters and rising

stars in the many-faceted realms of science ction and

fantasy art. They range from dedicated devotees of

brushwork to artists on the cutting edge of techno-

logical change working in 3D effects for movies and

gaming. Each artist describes his or her professional

journey and provides a mini-workshop on techniques,

such as concept development, use of digital tools,

and traditional brushwork.

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MASTERS of SCIENCE FICTION and FANTASY ART

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